Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (IATA: GDN, ICAO: EPGD) is an international airport located in the Matarnia district, approximately 10 km from the center of Gdańsk. Opened in 1974, the airport has undergone numerous upgrades, including the construction of T1 and T2 terminals, which have significantly increased its capacity. Architecturally, the airport combines functionality with aesthetics, and its facilities are designed to handle a growing number of passengers, with a target of 6.6 million passengers processed by 2025. A notable cultural feature is the painting "The Last Supper" by Maciej Świeszewski, displayed in the arrivals hall, which depicts figures associated with the art and culture of Gdańsk. Historically, Gdańsk has had a civilian airport since 1919, initially located on the site of a former military airfield. After World War II, the airport underwent transformation and was relocated in 1974 due to increasing urbanization and the need for a modern facility. An interesting fact is that the airport has been named after Lech Wałęsa, the former President of Poland and an icon of the Solidarity movement, since 2004. In recent years, the airport has invested in the development of transport infrastructure, including rail connections, making it one of the best-connected airports in Poland, with plans for an Airport City concept featuring office buildings. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has shown signs of recovery, recording an increase in passenger numbers in 2021 compared to 2020. Today, the airport serves approximately 95 scheduled routes and a growing number of charter connections, with charter airlines such as Smartwings, Enter Air, and LOT Polish Airlines.